CHRISTOPHER — After a year hiatus due to the pandemic, high school basketball tournaments are back. NCOE and Christopher picked up wins on the opening night of the 47th annual Christopher Turkey Tournament. The Fighting Cardinals beat New Athens 59-46, while the host Bearcats had no trouble with Thompsonville beating the Tigers 57-22.

In the opener, Preston Long and Joel Hortin combined for 49 for NCOE. Long did most of his damage in the first half, when he scored 22 of his 25. Hortin did his damage after halftime, scoring 20 of his 24 in the second half.

In the nightcap, Christopher used a 33-0 first half run to put this one away before halftime. The Bearcats led 41-8 at the half and cruised to the 35-point win. Scout Hudgens led a balanced Christopher attack with 13. Four other Bearcats scored at least eight points. Thompsonville’s Brody Rone led all scorers with 14.

Wednesday night, NCOE will face Christopher in the championship semifinals at 7:45. New Athens and Thompsonville will battle in the consolation bracket to open the night at 6:15.